Volvo V60 Cross Country: The Luxury Wagon That Thinks It's an SUV

--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--

Design Philosophy: Wagon or SUV?

The V60 Cross Country presents an interesting design compromise. At its core, it maintains the clean, classic proportions that have made Volvo wagons iconic. However, the Cross Country treatment adds several SUV-inspired elements that significantly alter its character:

• Rugged body cladding that wraps around the lower portions of the vehicle
• Increased ground clearance (2.5 inches more than the standard V60)
• Larger 18-inch wheels with all-terrain capable tires
• Protective skid plates front and rear

This design approach reflects Volvo's response to market demands, where traditional wagons have fallen out of favor while SUVs dominate sales charts. The execution is more successful than Volvo's previous attempt with the S60 Cross Country sedan, though some enthusiasts argue the added ruggedness comes at the expense of the wagon's inherent elegance.

Competitive Design Comparison

--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the V60 Cross Country features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant delivers:

• Strong low-end torque for confident around-town driving
• Responsive mid-range power for highway passing maneuvers
• Minimal turbo lag thanks to advanced forced induction technology

The standard eight-speed automatic transmission (an improvement over the previous six-speed unit) shifts smoothly and responds well to driver input. Volvo's all-wheel-drive system comes standard on Cross Country models, providing surefooted traction in various conditions.

Performance Comparison

--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--

Interior Quality and Technology

The V60 Cross Country's cabin represents a mix of Volvo's traditional strengths and some notable shortcomings. On the positive side:

• High-quality materials throughout the cabin
• Comfortable, supportive seats with available premium leather
• Thoughtful storage solutions (though center console space is limited)
• Excellent outward visibility compared to many SUVs

However, the infotainment system shows its age. Unlike newer Volvo models that feature the slick Sensus touchscreen interface, the V60 Cross Country makes do with an older button-heavy system that can feel outdated compared to competitors' offerings.

Technology Features

Key technology aspects of the V60 Cross Country include:

• 7-inch display screen (smaller than many competitors')
• Navigation system that's cumbersome to operate
• Lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (a notable omission)
• Available premium audio systems from Harman Kardon

--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Practicality: Space and Versatility

As a wagon, the V60 Cross Country promises practicality, but how does it deliver in real-world use?

Passenger Space

The front seats offer excellent comfort and support, though some drivers may find the bolsters too aggressive. Rear seat space is adequate but not generous:

• Legroom: 33.5 inches (comparable to luxury competitors but less than the Outback)
• Headroom: 37.9 inches (plenty for most adults)
• Child seat accommodation: Tight with rear-facing seats

The available integrated booster seats are a clever feature, though expensive as a stand-alone option at $500.

Cargo Capacity

The V60 Cross Country offers:

• 28.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• 43.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded
• 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats for flexible loading

While competitive with other luxury wagons, the Outback offers significantly more cargo space (32.5/75.7 cubic feet). The cargo area features useful touches like:

• Low load floor for easy loading
• Tie-down points and storage compartments
• Available power liftgate
• --THIRD CAR LIST HERE--
  

Safety and Driver Assistance

Volvo's reputation for safety shines through in the V60 Cross Country. While the Cross Country specifically hasn't been tested by the IIHS, the standard V60 earned top marks in all crash categories. Key safety features include:

• Standard City Safety: Automatic emergency braking
• Available Blind Spot Monitoring with cross-traffic alert
• Lane Keeping Aid (though some find it overly aggressive)
• Rear collision mitigation

The wagon's excellent visibility is another safety advantage over many SUVs, complemented by available features like:

• Auto-dimming mirrors
• Rearview camera (optional)
• Park assist sensors
• --SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

Value Proposition and Competitor Comparison

The V60 Cross Country starts at $42,695, positioning it between mainstream and luxury competitors:

--FORTH CAR LIST HERE--

Who Should Consider the V60 Cross Country?

The V60 Cross Country makes the most sense for:

• Urban adventurers who want style and capability without SUV bulk
• Volvo enthusiasts who appreciate Scandinavian design
• Safety-conscious families who don't need third-row seating
• Drivers seeking an alternative to luxury SUVs

It may not be the best choice for:

• Budget-conscious buyers (the Outback offers similar capability for less)
• Those needing maximum cargo space
• Tech enthusiasts who want the latest infotainment
• --THIRD CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

Final Verdict

The Volvo V60 Cross Country successfully blends wagon practicality with SUV-inspired styling and capability. While it has some shortcomings—particularly in rear seat space and technology—it offers a compelling alternative to both traditional wagons and bulkier SUVs. For buyers who value style, safety, and Scandinavian design, the V60 Cross Country deserves serious consideration, though we recommend test driving it against the Subaru Outback and Audi A4 Allroad to determine which best meets your needs.